14 November 2024

Gloucestershire Accredited Armed Forces Friendly Practices

Accredited Armed Forces Friendly Practices are healthcare practices that have been recognised for their commitment to supporting the healthcare needs of veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces, and their families. These practices are accredited such as the NHS or military-support groups. Accreditation is generally achieved by meeting specific standards that include staff training, patient identification, and providing tailored healthcare support to military-connected individuals.  The key features of these practices often include:

Veteran and Armed Forces Awareness: Staff in these practices are trained to understand the unique needs of veterans, reservists, and serving personnel, as well as their families. This includes being aware of physical and mental health challenges commonly associated with military service.

Identification of Veterans and Service Members: Accredited practices often ask new patients about military service to identify veterans and ensure they receive appropriate care. This could be through collecting military veterans' codes for health records.

Tailored Support: These practices are equipped to direct Armed Forces personnel and veterans to specialised support services, including mental health services, employment support, and benefits advice. This aligns with initiatives like the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures that those who have served in the military are not disadvantaged in accessing health care.

Partnerships with Veteran Support Organizations: Accredited practices often collaborate with veteran organisations and charities, enhancing their ability to refer patients to specialised services and provide a broader support network.